AVIATION COMPANY, British Airways (BA), and car manufacturer Rolls-Royce have teamed up to carry out a scientific testing programme on alternative fuels for the aviation industry.
If successful this programme will allow BA to fulfil their aims of reducing their CO2 emissions by 30 per cent until 2010.
Researchers aim to identify viable fuel alternatives with the detailed study and will begin by inviting suppliers to offer samples to be tested in the Rolls-Royce RB211 of a BA Boeing 747. The tests are due be carried out in a controlled environment at the Rolls-Royce’s plant in Derby, UK.
After the tests, four alternative fuels will be chosen which will be submitted for more tests, with 60,000 litres required for each. The results, which are expected to last until March 2009, will then be compared to the performance achieved with the conventional fuel, kerosene.
Ric Parker, Rolls-Royce’s Director of Research and Technology said: “The key criteria for the selection of alternative fuels will be their capacity, sustainability and industrial capabilities”, adding: “Apart from their function, it is essential that the fuel be beneficial in terms for CO2 emissions, without impacting food, land or air.”
